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Delaware House approves equal rights amendment

DOVER, Del. (AP) — The state House has approved a proposed amendment to Delaware's constitution guaranteeing equal rights based on sex.

The measure cleared the House on Thursday, with six Republicans voting no. It now goes to the Senate.

The legislation also was approved last year but requires passage in two General Assemblies.

The bill initially failed to win Senate passage last year amid Republican concerns about possible hidden motives, such as guaranteeing taxpayer funding for abortions or granting special rights to transgender people.

The legislation was revised to clarify its intent and to note that it applies only to the state and its political subdivisions, not private entities. The clarifying language also notes that a declaration of rights does not require the state to fund the exercise of those rights.